    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 9, 2004]
    [Pages 2955-2956]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Resignation of John Ashcroft
    as Attorney General
    November 9, 2004

        John Ashcroft has worked tirelessly to help make our country safer.
    During his 4 years at the Department of Justice, John has transformed
    the Department to make combating terrorism the top priority, including
    making sure our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to
    disrupt and prevent attacks. In doing so, he has made sure that the
    rights of Americans are respected and protected.
        I applaud his efforts to prevent crime, vigorously enforce our civil
    rights laws, crack down on corporate wrongdoing, protect the rights of
    victims and those with disabilities, reduce crimes committed with guns,
    and stop human trafficking. I appreciate his work to fight Internet
    pornography. I am grateful for his advice on judicial nominations and
    his efforts to ensure that my judicial nominees receive fair hearings
    and timely votes.
        John has served our Nation with honor, distinction, and integrity. I
    appreciate his service and wish him and Janet all the best.

    Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also made available Attorney
    General Ashcroft's letter of resignation.

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